From left to right, Dakila, Bulan, Bai Urduja, Lam-Ang

We’ve decided to share the Batikan Game Design Document publicly as part of our commitment to transparency and community‑driven development. This project is deeply rooted in culture, and your feedback genuinely helps shape the world we’re building. If you’d like to dive into the full document, you can read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16NEuiWXjWr5Wr_NGS4vA5u4fBHExqg_c/view?usp=sharing

A bit of summary:

Batikan is a story‑driven tactical CRPG set in a divergent precolonial Philippines, blending grounded politics with supernatural forces and mythic realism. The world reflects an era shaped by volcanic upheaval, tribal conflict, and the rise of babaylans whose magic inspires both awe and fear. As written in the document, “The blood remembers what history forgets,” capturing the game’s core theme of heritage, identity, and the struggle against colonization. Players explore regions like Samtoy, Namayan, Tondo, Ipugo, Mandaya, and Minondoc, each with distinct cultures, landscapes, and lore. The narrative intersects with historical events such as Limahong’s 1574 invasion, reimagined within a world of enchanted jungles, spectral realms, and warring tribes.

Gameplay features include a switchable turn‑based/real‑time combat system, a day‑night cycle, dynamic weather, destructible environments, hidden magical entrances, and rich NPC routines. Survival plays a major role through hunger, thirst, and resource gathering, while exploration is enhanced by climbing, ziplining, cave systems, and environmental interactions like fire spread and water conductivity. Combat emphasizes positioning, AP management, stealth options, spellcasting through DIWA, and a unique AGIMAT shield system. Enemies use smart AI, react to noise, hide in tall grass, and adapt to player behavior.

Character progression revolves around Batok—tattoos that permanently grant skills, traits, and reputation. Reputation affects alliances, trade, dialogue, and story progression, while experience tattoos unlock martial skills and spellcasting. Players can choose preset heroes like Lam‑ang, Dakila, or Bulan, each with unique mechanics, or create a custom character tied to one of the archipelago’s tribes. The game uses a d20‑inspired stat system, a wide range of skills, and multiple spell schools rooted in Filipino mysticism (Anito, Kulam, Engkanto, Busaw). Equipment features durability, crafting, tribal outfits, and magic‑imbued accessories.

Currency & Materials

• Bulawan (engraved gold beads) as currency.

• Steel is the most valuable commodity.

• Rice, coconut, and sugarcane dominate survival systems.

Core Mechanics

• Turn-based tactical combat

• Initiative = Perception + Dexterity

• Action Points = Dexterity-based (1 AP = 1 meter)

• Fog of War (True Sight)

Thrown Weapons

Encouraged to reduce weapon durability loss.

Magic (DIWA)

Mana regenerates slowly over time (1% every 3 minutes).

Agimat Shield

A unique invincibility buffer replenished by kills, quests, or shrines.

Character Conditions

Includes Bleeding, Cursed, Diseased, Raged, Slow, Drunk, Charmed, Burned, Wet, Poisoned, Silenced, Invincible, Satisfied, Hungry, Thirsty, Staggered, Stunned, Unconscious, Dead.

Traits & Perks

Two types:

• Unique Traits (Kakanyahan) – chosen at start

• Learned Traits (Katangian) – gained every 4 levels

Examples:

• Adrenaline Rush

• Brutish Hulk

• Lightning Affinity

• Finesse

• Heavy Handed

• Good Natured

• Small Frame

• Studious Tinkerer

Overall, Batikan aims to deliver a culturally rich RPG experience with branching narratives, moral dilemmas, tactical combat, and deep worldbuilding inspired by Filipino history, folklore, and tradition. It blends old‑school CRPG sensibilities with modern systems, creating a grounded yet fantastical journey across the Kapuluan ng mga Malaya.